Fear Questionnaire

Gelernter et al. (1991) compared phenelzine, alprazolam, placebo, and cognitive-behavior therapy in social phobia. In those patients receiving alprazolam, only 38% improved, based on the Marks Fear Questionnaire [Marks and Matthews 1982) scores. In this study, the mean daily dose for alprazolam was 4.2 mg. At 2-month follow-up, after discontinuation of the drug, the improvement in the alprazolam group was no longer measurable. 

The Fear Questionnaire (FQ) is a 24-item self-rated scale used mainly for assessments in phobias. One component of the scale evaluates phobic behavior associated with a number of situations, whereas another component assesses symptoms of anxiety, depression and general distress caused by phobia (Marks and Mathews, 1979). The social phobia, strongly related to social anxiety, and most of the subscales are significantly related to neuroticism. The FQ has been utilized in several trials of social anxiety disorder. 

Chambless, D. L., Caputo, G. C., Bright, P., Gallagher, R. (1984). Assessment of fear of fear in agoraphobics The body sensations questionnaire and the agoraphobic cognitions questionnaire. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 52, 1090-1097. 

Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) 30 items, 3 subscales hostile-aggressive, anxious-fearful, hyperactive-distractible P Behar, 1974a, b... 

A retrospective questionnaire was sent to 195 consecutive patients addressing questions of severe hypoglycemia, coma, awareness of hypoglycemia, and fear of hypoglycemia (64). The mean duration of diabetes was 20 years and 82% had received intensive therapy. Coma was reported in 19% and severe hypoglycemia in 41%. 

The researchers of the University of Oregon, including Baruch Fischhoff, Paul Slovic and Sarah Lichtenstein recognize the importance of Chauncey Starr s works, but are aware of their inherent limits. In order to elaborate a predictive theory of risk perception, they develop the expressed preferences method. Their work, presented in How safe is safe enough , Rating the risks and Facts and fears , constitutes a radical shift in the way to approach risk perception (Fischhoff 1978, Slovic 1979, 1980). Indeed, based on questionnaires - thus on direct interaction with the public, allowed to express their preferences -, these works analyse the influence of benefits and of qualitative risk characteristics on risk perception. 

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